Representatives of an international group of Middle East mediators are meeting in Jerusalem to discuss the appointment of a new international envoy for the region.
The outgoing British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is expected to be offered the job after he steps down tomorrow.
The group is made up of the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States.
The US has signalled its desire for a role for Mr Blair, but many Arabs see him as too pro-American and pro-Israeli.
There are reports that Tony Blair would step down as a Member of British Parliament if appointed as a Middle East envoy, according to Mr Blair's election agent.
Mr Blair is expected to travel to his Sedgefield constituency to make an announcement tomorrow afternoon.
Earlier, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced that the Government is to fund the creation of a chair of Irish Studies at the University of Liverpool in honour of outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Mr Ahern said the endowment of £5m was a fitting way to mark what he described as Mr Blair's immense and historic contribution in helping to bring peace to Ireland.
The University's Institute of Irish Studies, which was founded almost 20 years ago, has worked closely with the two governments throughout the peace process.
